Lexusfreak

Both are too expensive & heavy for our needs. B) ← How long to you plan on keeping this new car? ← The car will be purchased used or 'pre-owned' as some call it. Once the 'right one' is found, chances are it will be kept somewhere between 5 - 7 years is my guess as the way things stand now. The way I see it, with a 5 star safety rating across the board, excellent reliability rating and reasonable fuel economy with full time AWD & about 65 cu ft of cargo space, we can't loose with a 2003 or 2004 Subaru Forester XS. It's got decent power from a large 4 banger to boot & some unique features that is a definate benefit in the harsh winter months. B) ;)

How come your getting rid of things HoeBag? You getting another ride? fill us in! B)

Both are too expensive & heavy for our needs. B)

Either side on an angle looking at the back end on my 01. :D B)

Best of luck cb.......not as high a treadwear as some other choices but they 'appear' to be decent from the postings on tirerack. B)

Let us know how you make out deramg.......just whatever you do, stay way clear of Canadian Tire!. B)

I considered a VW & the TDI models......but in the long run after all warranties are done, they do not have a great reliability record & parts replacement are astronomical. Thanks for your suggestions. B)

Stay WAY clear of Crappy Tire.....they are good only for light bulbs & garbage bags!! No way they should be working on a Lexus vehicle. Did you try & get a price at perhaps a Toyota dealer? Where abouts in Toronto are you deramg? I have 2 auto shops I deal with in the east end of the city. There is also a shop on Woodbine ave, north of steeles ave in Markham that does specializes in Lexus vehicles.....the owner of the shop use to be the service manager of Don Valley North Lexus Toyota. The place is called T-Lex Auto Service. Address is 7605 Woodbine Ave, in Markham. (905) 415 - 3384. I haven't used them personally, but have heard they are quite good. If that does not work out, send me a PM & I can give you the info for the 2 shops I do business at. You might want to replace the water pump at the same time as it's a preventitive measure. Keep us posted, I hope this helps & good luck! B)

I understand what your saying sw.......although I'm not sure I like the term 'cult' in general (not just with cars) lol. :whistles: But I hear ya! B) ;)

Cadillac & Lexus has the best smell imo. Just something about em. ;)

Try doing a search here & on the Audio forums......I'm sure you are not the only one that has wanted to do this & can probably be done for a reasonable cost. B)

Agreed Imran.......I'd take the new CLS personally over the new S class. B)

Atta boy! :D ;)

lol mburn!! :whistles:

Thanks for all the interesting suggestions. Whenever I see the word Subaru, I can't help but think of that ugly a*s B9 Tribeca. That is one ugly vehicle. The grille reminds me of an Edsel. ← Not a fan personally of the B9's front end look either.......however, the Tribeca aside, no other automaker makes better AWD systems. The new Outback is a very sharp looking vehicle imo. ;)

That's what I have found as well sw......from write up's of both new & used Subaru's and speaking with actual owners. I might even go as far to say the Subi owners are a more loyal bunch than us Lexus owners. B) ;)

Maybe you meant the CLK? That starts around $55,000, while the CLS starts at around $65,000. But I'm sure if he wanted, IF could cough up an extra 10 grand to get the base CLS500. B) ← Who know's how much of a discount one will be able to get.....the $65k is MSRP so it dosen't hurt to make an offer......all the dealer can say is no. B)

It depends on where you purchase the plugs so the price will vary........it's a good idea to shop around. Yes the plugs are pre-gapped. B)

Goodyear has since added the 225 55 17 size in the Triple Tread line very recently......was previously only offered in the Comfortreads........speed rating is H in that size. We have to keep in mind that these 2 tires are not considered a high performance tire really.....although of course the ride will be slightly firmer with the H speed rating. 80,000 mile treadwear is nice to boot! B) It's the BEST premium all season tire (Triple Tread) you can buy currently on the market today! B)

No worries, your spending a large chunk of change on car so you should be picky. The CLS is different, & not everyone has one on the block so to speak....5 series & M-Classes are all over the place. The CLS will stand out that's for sure! B)

well the only other Lux makes I'd consider is MB, BMW (new 5 series is very nice) or Audi. How about the new MB CLS '4 door coupe'? Sexy looking machine & I think that's in your price range! :D

Why not a new or used (or Demo) LS 430 or a 2006 GS? I'd personally take a Lexus (new or used) over a MB in the long run. B)

How about a Subaru Outback? 2005+ you can get a choice of 3 engines, 1 6cyl with 250hp & a Turbo 4 also with 250 hp.......almost the same cargo space as the Highlander with about 400lbs less weight! B) ;)

The Magnum is too big & too heavy (base model is over 3,800 lbs) for what we need. But one of the best looking wagons on the market to be sure. B) I am not a fan of vehicles in their first year of production....which proves my point with the Fuel tank issues you mentioned. Thanks for the suggestion. :)

Doug, I would suggest you give serious consideration to the Goodyear Triple Treads when the time comes to replace the Toyo's.......they are available in an H speed rating for our size (only one size down from V). Have a look at the tirerack's reviews as they are fantastic & it's what I will be switching too when the time comes. They are simply the B) http://www.goodyearassurance.com/